Thursday Trends and Indexes 12/20

[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Matchup Notes

NBA
Betting Matchup Notes


Thursday, December 20

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Today's key NBA betting matchup notes
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Thursday's key NBA matchup notes

New Jersey at Miami (-2, 189)

Dwyane Wade had 23 points and nine assists in Miami's 91-87 win over the Nets on Nov. 17, the fourth victory for the Heat in the last five games of this series.


L.A. Lakers at Cleveland (+1 1/2, 205)

Kobe Bryant has averaged 24.7 points in seven games against the Cavaliers when James is in the lineup, and the Cleveland guard has scored 26.8 points per game in eight lifetime against the Lakers.


Houston at Denver (N/A)

The Nuggets have lost five of their last six games against the Rockets, including the teams' first meeting this season.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 20

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MIAMI OHIO (5 - 4) at ILLINOIS (6 - 3) - 12/20/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI OHIO is 1-0 against the spread versus ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS is 1-0 straight up against MIAMI OHIO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PITTSBURGH (10 - 0) vs. DUKE (10 - 0) - 12/20/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 119-85 ATS (+25.5 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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FLA ATLANTIC (3 - 7) at ARKANSAS ST (4 - 5) - 12/20/2007, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLA ATLANTIC is 1-0 against the spread versus ARKANSAS ST over the last 3 seasons
ARKANSAS ST is 1-0 straight up against FLA ATLANTIC over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TROY (6 - 4) at S ALABAMA (7 - 3) - 12/20/2007, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
S ALABAMA is 2-2 against the spread versus TROY over the last 3 seasons
S ALABAMA is 3-1 straight up against TROY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GONZAGA (9 - 2) at OKLAHOMA (8 - 3) - 12/20/2007, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
GONZAGA is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) as an underdog since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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OLE MISS (8 - 0) at DEPAUL (2 - 5) - 12/20/2007, 5:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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LOUISIANA TECH (2 - 7) vs. NEW ORLEANS (7 - 2) - 12/20/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISIANA TECH is 1-0 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
LOUISIANA TECH is 1-0 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ALCORN ST (1 - 8) vs. SOUTHERN MISS (6 - 3) - 12/20/2007, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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TULANE (6 - 3) vs. ST MARYS-CA (7 - 1) - 12/20/2007, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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E TENN ST (4 - 5) vs. GEORGIA (6 - 1) - 12/20/2007, 11:59 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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ELON (5 - 5) at PENNSYLVANIA (3 - 7) - 12/20/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENNSYLVANIA is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ELON is 1-0 against the spread versus PENNSYLVANIA over the last 3 seasons
PENNSYLVANIA is 1-0 straight up against ELON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MURRAY ST (5 - 3) at SAMFORD (4 - 5) - 12/20/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MURRAY ST is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
MURRAY ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MURRAY ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAMFORD is 3-3 against the spread versus MURRAY ST over the last 3 seasons
SAMFORD is 3-3 straight up against MURRAY ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SE MISSOURI ST (7 - 4) at JACKSONVILLE ST (2 - 8) - 12/20/2007, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSONVILLE ST is 4-0 against the spread versus SE MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
JACKSONVILLE ST is 4-0 straight up against SE MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MONTANA (5 - 6) at CS-FULLERTON (5 - 2) - 12/20/2007, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CS-FULLERTON is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games in December games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CS-FULLERTON is 1-0 against the spread versus MONTANA over the last 3 seasons
CS-FULLERTON is 1-0 straight up against MONTANA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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THE CITADEL (4 - 5) at WASHINGTON ST (9 - 0) - 12/20/2007, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
THE CITADEL is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
THE CITADEL is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
THE CITADEL is 18-31 ATS (-16.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
THE CITADEL is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
THE CITADEL is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON ST is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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FURMAN (0 - 8) vs. N ARIZONA (7 - 4) - 12/20/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FURMAN is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Matchup Notes

NCAAB


Thursday, December 20

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Today's key NCAAB Top 25 matchup notes
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No. 15 Clemson at Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Clemson routed Mayaguez - a Division II independent - 101-60 on Dec. 19, 2005, shooting 61.7 percent from the field and outrebounding the Bulldogs 42-27.


No. 7 Duke vs No. 9 Pittsburgh (-5 1/2)

These teams haven't met since Duke's 78-69 win at Pittsburgh on Jan. 26, 1980. That victory gave the Blue Devils a 6-5 edge in the all-time series.


North Florida at No. 22 Miami-Florida

This is the first meeting between these teams.


No. 20 Gonzaga at Oklahoma (-2.5)

This is the first meeting between the Sooners and Bulldogs. Gonzaga is the third ranked opponent the Sooners have faced this season.


Citadel at No. 6 Washington State (-31.5)

This will be the first meeting between the teams.

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[pm530]

Hockey – Long Sheet

NHL
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 20

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OTTAWA (22-7-0-3, 47 pts.) at ATLANTA (15-17-0-1, 31 pts.) - 12/20/2007, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-6 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 6-5-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.8 Units)

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MONTREAL (16-12-0-5, 37 pts.) at WASHINGTON (13-18-0-3, 29 pts.) - 12/20/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 4-9 ATS (-8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MONTREAL is 4-9 ATS (-8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 1-7 ATS (+9.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 0-5 ATS (+0.0 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 0-6 ATS (-7.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WASHINGTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-5 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 5-3-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.8 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (16-15-0-2, 34 pts.) at BOSTON (18-12-0-3, 39 pts.) - 12/20/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 18-15 ATS (+1.5 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 18-15 ATS (+36.5 Units) first half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 24-20 ATS (+47.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 10-5 ATS (+18.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BOSTON is 10-5 ATS (+15.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-2 (+4.6 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-2-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.7 Units)

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TORONTO (14-13-0-7, 35 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (14-17-0-3, 31 pts.) - 12/20/2007, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 19-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 21-13 ATS (+36.8 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 51-61 ATS (-22.2 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 7-14 ATS (-7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 7-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-2 (+5.6 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 7-2-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.1 Units)

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CAROLINA (18-14-0-3, 39 pts.) at FLORIDA (16-16-0-2, 34 pts.) - 12/20/2007, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 29-18 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 16-4 (+10.4 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 16-4-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.4 Units)

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NY RANGERS (17-13-0-3, 37 pts.) at MINNESOTA (19-12-0-2, 40 pts.) - 12/20/2007, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 26-9 ATS (+13.9 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 38-19 ATS (+57.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 1-0-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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DETROIT (24-6-0-3, 51 pts.) at ST LOUIS (16-12-0-2, 34 pts.) - 12/20/2007, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 26-29 ATS (+75.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-12 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 12-6-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
12 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.1 Units)

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DALLAS (19-11-0-4, 42 pts.) at VANCOUVER (18-12-0-4, 40 pts.) - 12/20/2007, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 72-55 ATS (+13.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 35-31 ATS (-4.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 8-2 ATS (+5.7 Units) in road games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 35-21 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 36-23 ATS (+10.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 16-10 ATS (+28.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 29-41 ATS (-32.8 Units) in home games in December games since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 15-28 ATS (+44.2 Units) after shutting out their opponent in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 8-7-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
11 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.5 Units)

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PHOENIX (16-16-0-0, 32 pts.) at SAN JOSE (18-11-0-4, 40 pts.) - 12/20/2007, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 11-8 ATS (+24.9 Units) in road games first half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 6-2 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games vs. division opponents this season.
PHOENIX is 94-85 ATS (+193.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 2-6 ATS (-6.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
SAN JOSE is 6-10 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 2-7 ATS (-11.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents this season.
SAN JOSE is 3-7 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games after a division game this season.
SAN JOSE is 15-25 ATS (-22.2 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 8-12 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 12-8-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
10 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Matchup Notes

NHL


Thursday, December 20

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Today's key NHL betting matchup notes
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Thursday's key NHL matchup notes

Thursday's key NHL matchup notes

Pittsburgh at Boston (-120 5 1/2)

Boston has dropped its last two meetings with the Penguins, but had won the previous nine games in the series.


Montreal at Washington (-108, 5 1/2)

Alexander Ovechkin has two goals and six assists in eight career games against Montreal, though he hasn't registered a point in his past two against the Canadiens.


Ottawa at Atlanta (+160, 6)

The Senators improved to 3-0 this season against the Thrashers with a 7-3 home victory on Saturday.


Toronto at Tampa Bay (-120, 6)

The Leafs beat the Lightning 6-1 at home on Dec. 10. Toronto is outscoring Tampa Bay 27-12 during the six game winning streak in the series.


Carolina at Florida (-120, 6)

The Hurricanes have won 10 of their last 11 games against the Panthers (16-16-2), including three of four this season.


N.Y. Rangers at Minnesota (-131, 5)

New York has scored at least three goals in all eight meetings between these teams, winning six.


Detroit at St. Louis (+123, 5 1/2)

The Central Division rivals have split two games this season, with each winning at home.


Dallas at Vancouver (-132, 5)

Marty Turco has won seven straight at GM Place and is 8-1-0 there with a 1.11 GAA with two shutouts.


Phoenix at San Jose (-180, 5)

Phoenix hasn't beaten San Jose since an 8-0 victory on Dec. 30 and has been outscored 34-7 in eight losses since then.

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[Udog]

NHL
Hot Lines


Thursday, December 20


Ice picks: Thursday's best NHL bets


Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals (-111, 5 1/2)

Not everyone wants to be home for the holidays. The Habs have been struggling at the Bell Centre, going 1-5-2 in their last eight home games.

Now they embark on their longest road trip in nearly two years and it begins tonight in Washington. Montreal has been very profitable on the road so far this season and has won five of the last six meetings against the Capitals, who have the fewest points in the Eastern Conference.

Pick: Canadiens +101


Detroit Red Wings at St. Louis Blues (+117, 5 1/2)

The Blues are starting to slide in the standings and tonight they host the Red Wings, who happen to be the best team in the NHL.

The good news for the Blues is they have already beaten Detroit once at home this season and the Red Wings played last night at home before traveling to St. Louis.

Manny Legace has won his last three starts at home against the Red Wings, his former club.

Detroit's top scorer Henrik Zetterberg hasn't scored a point in his last three trips to St. Louis and has only one goal in his last five games there.

The home team is 6-1 in the last seven meetings between the two clubs.

Pick: Blues +117


Phoenix Coyotes at San Jose Sharks (-180, 5 )

All Phoenix Coyotes backers want for Christmas is a goal against the San Jose Sharks. Phoenix has not scored on the Sharks in almost four games spanning 231 minutes of game play.

San Jose has won eight games in a row over the Coyotes, outscoring them 34-7.

Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov will be attempting to become the first goaltender to record four shutouts against the same team in one season.

The under is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings between these clubs at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.

Pick: Under 5

[Udog]

NBA today - Dec. 20


SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Dec. 20

New Jersey at Miami (7:30 p.m. EST).

The Heat (7-18) own the worst record in the Eastern Conference.

STARS
Wednesday

-Rudy Gay, Grizzlies, hit a 3-pointer as time expired to give Memphis an 88-85 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

-Chauncey Billups, Pistons hit two free throws with one-tenth of a second left to give Detroit an 87-85 win over the Celtics.

-Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks, scored 31 points - including the Mavericks' final eight - giving Dallas a 108-105 win over the Suns.

-Chris Paul, Hornets, scored 21 points and had 15 assists in a 107-93 win over the Sonics.

DOWN TO EARTH

Chauncey Billups hit two free throws with one-tenth of a second left and the Detroit Pistons handed the Celtics their first home loss of the season, 87-85 on Wednesday night. The Celtics (20-3) had matched their best start ever, also achieved by the 1963-64 team that eventually won the NBA title. Boston had won its first 12 home games, its most since a club-record 17 by the 1957-58 squad.

BEAT THE CLOCK

Rudy Gay hit a 3-pointer over Tim Duncan as time expired to give the Memphis Grizzlies an 88-85 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Juan Carlos Navarro threw an inbounds pass to Gay, who dribbled toward the top of the key and got off a shot as the horn sounded, sending San Antonio to its third straight road loss. It's the first time the Spurs have dropped three in a row away from home since April 2005.

WESTERN CLASH

Dirk Nowitzki scored 31 points, including the Mavericks' final eight, giving Dallas just enough to hold off the Suns 108-105 Wednesday night in yet another intense, entertaining game between the Western Conference rivals. The Mavs have won four straight and six of seven, enough to tighten the top of the Western Conference standings. Dallas is 18-9, narrowly behind Phoenix (18-8) and San Antonio (18-7).

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Steve Nash had 18 assists in the Suns' 108-105 loss to the Mavericks on Wednesday night. ... LeBron James had 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists for Cleveland in a 108-90 loss to the New York Knicks.

SPEAKING

''It was wild and woolly out there. Bodies were flying everywhere. I've got to give them credit, they got this one. They were the aggressors from the start, we came back, but we couldn't get over the hump.'' - Suns coach Mike D'Antoni on a 108-105 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

[Udog]

Hockey today - Dec. 20


SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Dec. 20

Phoenix at San Jose (10:30 p.m. EST).

The Coyotes are 4-1 on their six-game road trip. The Sharks have lost the first two of three straight division games.

STARS
Wednesday

-Maxim Afinogenov and Ryan Miller, Sabres. Afinogenov scored the tiebreaking goal with 2:17 left and Miller stopped 42 shots and Buffalo held off the New York Islanders 2-1.

-Robert Lang and Patrick Sharp, Blackhawks, each scored two goals to lead Chicago past Nashville 5-2.

-Mathieu Schneider, Ducks, scored with 1:29 left in overtime to give Anaheim a 2-1 win over Colorado.

ANOTHER RECORD BAN

New York Islanders forward Chris Simon was banned for 30 games Wednesday, drawing the longest suspension in NHL history again. Simon's latest infraction was for stomping on the skate of Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu during a game last weekend. Simon missed the first five games of this season while completing a 25-game ban handed out in March for his two-handed stick attack to the face of New York Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg, which had been the previous record for an NHL suspension. He has had seven prior suspensions in his 15-season NHL career.

FOR STARTERS

Detroit tied the franchise record for fewest games (34) to reach 25 wins after a 6-2 rout of Los Angeles on Wednesday night. The Red Wings, who have won 10 of 11 while improving to 16-2-0-1 at home, matched the mark set by the 1995-96 club, who went on to set the NHL record with 62 victories.

MORE PUNISHMENTS

Carolina forward Craig Adams was suspended two games without pay Wednesday for hitting Toronto's Alex Steen with his stick on Tuesday night.

SLUMPING

Despite holding a 43-17 shots advantage, the New York Islanders lost for the seventh time in eight games (1-6-1) with Wednesday night's 2-1 setback to Buffalo. New York has an NHL-low 72 goals. ... Nashville has dropped seven of eight after a 5-2 loss at Chicago.

GET SHORTY

Patrick Sharp scored his league-leading sixth short-handed goal of the season and Chicago's NHL-best 11th in a 5-2 win over Nashville on Wednesday night.

HEADING HOME

Penguins forward Ryan Malone left the team Wednesday in Boston and returned to Pittsburgh to be treated by team doctors for an infected cut on his leg. The infection resulted in flu-like symptoms that caused Malone to sit out the Penguins' 4-0 loss to the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.

FAREWELL

Minnesota sophomore forward Kyle Okposo is leaving college to sign with the New York Islanders, the school announced Wednesday. Okposo, selected seventh overall in the 2006 draft, is the eighth Gophers player to forgo remaining eligibility to turn pro since the end of the 2005-06 season. He had seven goals and four assists in 18 games for the Gophers this season.

SPEAKING

''I hope he's got it figured out. The reason he had four assists was he was shooting the puck. He's injured a lot. If he keeps playing, he's just going to get better.'' - Detroit coach Mike Babcock on defenseman Niklas Kronwall, who had a career-high four assists in Wednesday night's 6-2 win over Los Angeles.

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 20


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NEW JERSEY (10 - 15) at MIAMI (7 - 18) - 12/20/2007, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-30 ATS (-15.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 7-7 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 9-5 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (15 - 9) at CLEVELAND (11 - 15) - 12/20/2007, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 3-16 ATS (-14.6 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-1 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 3-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (12 - 13) at DENVER (14 - 10) - 12/20/2007, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 18-31 ATS (-16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 58-32 ATS (+22.8 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
HOUSTON is 65-43 ATS (+17.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-3 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-3 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


Mississippi vs. DePaul
These two teams come into the San Juan Shootout heading in opposite directions. Andy Kennedy's Rebels are one of the surprises of the early season. Supposedly in a rebuilding mode, Kennedy has Ole Miss 8-0 with a solid mix of returning starters such as Dwayne Curtis (14.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg) and newcomers. The mix hasn't been so good for the Blue Demons, who have lost five of seven, including an embarrassing setback against lower-rated North Carolina A&T. Ole Miss is the pick (-7) in this one according to Dunkel, which has the Rebels favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-7). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Game 707-708: Miami (OH) at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (OH) 59.195; Illinois 69.743
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 709-710: Pittsburgh vs. Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 73.279; Duke 79.993
Dunkel Line: Duke by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-5 1/2)

Game 711-712: Florida Atlantic at Arkansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 42.543; Arkansas State 51.764
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 9
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (-7)

Game 713-714: Troy at South Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 52.771; South Alabama 65.369
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 16
Dunkel Pick: Troy (+16)

Game 715-716: Gonzaga at Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 69.940; Oklahoma 72.830
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 3
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-2 1/2)

Game 717-718: Clemson at PR Mayaguez
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 71.658; PR Mayaguez 15.780
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 56
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 719-720: Mississippi vs. DePaul
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 68.975; DePaul 58.571
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 7
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-7)

Game 721-722: Louisiana Tech vs. New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 38.781; New Orleans 50.127
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 723-724: Alcorn State at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Alcorn State 30.118; Southern Mississippi 62.507
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 32 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 725-726: Tulane vs. St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 52.362; St. Mary's (CA) 63.871
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-8)

Game 727-728: East Tennessee St. vs. Georgia
Dunkel Ratings: East Tennessee St. 50.043; Georgia 67.947
Dunkel Line: Georgia by 18
Vegas Line: Georgia by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (-10 1/2)

Game 729-730: Elon at Pennsylvania
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 50.955; Pennsylvania 50.129
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Pennsylvania by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Elon (+3 1/2)

Game 731-732: Murray State at Samford
Dunkel Ratings: Murray State 49.814; Samford 53.583
Dunkel Line: Samford by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Murray State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Samford (+1 1/2)

Game 733-734: SE Missouri State at Jacksonville State
Dunkel Ratings: SE Missouri State 46.656; Jacksonville State 42.821
Dunkel Line: SE Missouri State by 4
Vegas Line: SE Missouri State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: SE Missouri State (-3 1/2)

Game 735-736: Montana at CS Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: Montana 53.830; CS Fullerton 65.614
Dunkel Line: CS Fullerton by 12
Vegas Line: CS Fullerton by 5
Dunkel Pick: CS Fullerton (-5)

Game 737-738: The Citadel vs. Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: The Citadel 37.354; Washington State 71.956
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 34 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington State by 31 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-31 1/2)

Game 739-740: Furman vs. Northern Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 43.449; Northern Arizona 55.717
Dunkel Line: Northern Arizona by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Arizona by 8
Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (-8)

Game 741-742: Utah Valley State vs. Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: Utah Valley State 50.274; Utah State 56.151
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


LA Lakers at Cleveland
Even with LeBron's return, things haven't exactly turned around for the Cavaliers. Cleveland has now dropped nine of its last 11, including last night's 108-90 setback in New York, which handed the lower-rated Knicks their most lopsided win of the season. Tonight Cleveland at least gets to return home, but has to face a red-hot Laker team that has won six of its last seven, including three of four on the road. LA is the pick (-1 1/2) in this one according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Game 701-702: New Jersey at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 112.800; Miami 118.215
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 5 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 2; 189
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-2); Over

Game 703-704: LA Lakers at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 123.803; Cleveland 114.009
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 10; 209
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1 1/2; 205
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-1 1/2); Over

Game 705-706: Houston at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 115.389; Denver 120.523
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 5; 200 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 6; 199
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+6); Over

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Phoenix at San Jose
It's been a good road trip for Phoenix as the Coyotes have won three in a row and four of five overall. A big difference has been the play of goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, who the Coyotes pick up off waivers from Anaheim on November 17. In his last six games, Bryzgalov is 4-2-0 with a 1.68 GAA. Phoenix has dropped eight straight to San Jose while being outscored 34-7. But this looks to be their best chance to pick up a win and take advantage as the underdog (+165) according to Dunkel, which has the Coyotes favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+165). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Game 1-2: Ottawa at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 12.854; Atlanta 10.667
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-170); 6
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-170); Over

Game 3-4: Montreal at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.548; Washington 11.320
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-105); Over

Game 5-6: Pittsburgh at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 10.649; Boston 11.847
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-120); Under

Game 7-8: Toronto at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.820; Tampa Bay 9.825
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+100); Over

Game 9-10: Carolina at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 10.866; Florida 11.703
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-120); Under

Game 11-12: NY Rangers at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.267; Minnesota 11.063
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+115); Under

Game 13-14: Detroit at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 12.600; St. Louis 10.686
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-150); Under

Game 15-16: Dallas at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.938; Vancouver 11.460
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+120); Under

Game 17-18: Phoenix at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 12.145; San Jose 10.751
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-185); 5
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+165); Over

[Udog]

NCAAB
Write-Up


Thursday's Games

Games of the Day

Duke, Pittsburgh are both unbeaten, meet in NYC. Panthers are 2-0 on road, beating Duquesne 73-68, Washington 75-74. They are playing smaller, faster, just like Duke, which went 3-0 out in Maui, but has yet to play true road game. Blue Devils won by 4 vs Marquette; beat Wisconsin by 24, Davidson by 6 at home.

Gonzaga has gone 4-1 in trips to Alaska, St Joe's, UConn so far this season; they're 9-2, losing 73-63 to Texas Tech in Alaska, 51-47 at home to Washington State. Oklahoma is 8-3, losing to Stephen F. Austin, then beating Arkansas- they scored 62 pts or less in their three losses (7-0 if they score more than 62).

Ole Miss takes its unbeaten record to Puerto Rico, where they meet DePaul club that had Vanderbilt by 18 at home last week, but lost in OT. Blue Demons lost last three games, falling in last game to Ill-Chicago, 85-80, also losing at Kansas. Rebels are 8-0 winning only road game 76-67 at Central Florida (-3).

Rest of card

-- Miami, OH (+10.5) lost 51-49 at Illinois LY. Illini have a rivalry game with Missouri Saturday in St Louis- they're 6-3, with their last four wins all by 16+ points. Miami lost its tworoad games by total of four pts- they led 44-28 at half in second loss.

-- Arkansas State's leading scorer is suspended for rest of Dec; they beat Florida Atlantic 84-77 at home LY (-9). ASU is 3-1 at home, beating two OVC teams and Ball State. FAU lost its last three games, losing 77-66 at UMKC, 87-49 at Kansas.

-- Visitor won both Troy-South Alabama games LY, with Troy winning 92-88 in OT here, losing 75-64 at home. USA rallied in last game from 12-pt deficit to beat Miss State; they're 3-0 as a favorite this season.

-- Louisiana Tech, New Orleans both got stomped by Southern Miss, beat Alcorn State in last two nights; Tech is 1-9, losing its last eight games. UNO is 7-2 vs D-I teams with senior-laden group, winning at NC State, Tulane, Colorado.

-- St Mary's lost last game at Southern Illinois, after winning at San Diego State in other road game. Tulane had lot longer trip to Hawai'i; they're 4-3 after beating Indiana State 90-68 at home Monday night. Green Wave is 1-2 away from home.

-- Georgia is 6-1, but lost only road game, by 19 at Wisconsin. Dawgs beat Wake Forest 72-50 for best win. East Tennessee St lost 125-75 at Syracuse last week, but A-Sun teams have been dangerous so far this season.

-- Penn (1-0) won 66-64 at Elon LY; Quakers are 2-7, have been off for 12 days since beating Monmouth last game. Elon is 3-0 in Southern Conf, 2-4 outside, with strange loss to Tusculum.

-- Samford (+6) knocked Murray State out of OVC tourney last March 80-70, after visiting team had won both games in regular season. Bulldogs lost Tuesday on 25-footer at buzzer. Murray is 2-1 in OVC- they won 79-65 at Jacksonville State Tuesday.

-- Fullerton State made 14-25 3's in 100-91 win at Montana back on Nov 30 in Missoula (Griz was 11-19 from arc). Titans are 5-2, losing at Arizona, Central Michigan. Montana lost 60-49 in last game at Santa Clara, after losing in OT at Pacific before that.

-- Washington State has been off for 11 days, should coast vs Citadel squad that lost 74-47 at home (+23) to USC Nov 15. 0-4 on road, Citadel has away losses by 103-42/93-77/87-74/95-74, at South Carolina, Penn, Chattanooga, Davidson (1-3 vs pts).

-- Furman is 0-8 this season, losing its three league games by a average score of 70-62; their four non-league road losses are by 3-45-14-16 points. Northern Arizona won three of last four after winning at San Jose State Saturday, 62-57.

[Udog]

NBA
Write-Up


Thursday, December 20

Hot Teams
-- Lakers won six of their last seven games.

Cold Teams
-- Nets lost six of their last seven games. Miami is 3-8 in last 11 games; they lost in OT in Atlanta last night, and lost Mourning with blown tendon in his knee.
-- Cavaliers lost nine of their last eleven games.
-- Nuggets lost last two games, both by 11 points; they're 0-4 vs spread in last four games. Rockets lost four of last five tilts, and now McGrady is hurt again.

Series Records
-- Visiting team won four of last five Heat-Net games.
-- Cavaliers beat Lakers twice LY, 114-108/99-90.
-- Rockets beat Denver 109-81 back on Nov 24 (-5).

Totals
-- Under is 7-3 in Nets' last ten road games.
-- Six of last seven Cleveland games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2 in Nuggets' last seven games.

[Udog]

NHL
Write-Up


Thursday, December 20

Hot Teams
-- Senators won last six games, outscoring foes 29-12.
-- Washington won three of its last four home games.
-- Florida won three of its last four games.
-- Minnesota won last three games, allowing five goals.
-- Red Wings won three in row, ten of last eleven games.
-- Dallas won last four games, allowing four goals in last three. Canucks won six of their last seven home games.
-- Coyotes won last three games, allowing four goals.

Cold Teams
-- Thrashers lost four of their last five games.
-- Canadiens lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Penguins lost three of their last four games. Bruins lost two of their last three games, scoring five goals.
-- Lightning lost last six games, allowing 30 goals. Toronto lost last two games, scoring total of three goals.
-- Carolina is 2-7 in game after its last nine wins.
-- Blues lost their last four games, allowing 20 goals.
-- Sharks lost two of last three games, scoring four goals.

Series Records
-- Senators are 3-0 vs Atlanta this year: 3-1/6-4/7-3.
-- Home side won four of last five Montreal-Washington tilts.
-- Bruins won six of their last eight against the Penguins.
-- Maple Leafs won their last six games against Tampa Bay.
-- Carolina won ten of its last eleven vs the Panthers.
-- Minnesota lost 3-1 at MSG two years ago, in last meeting.
-- Red Wings lost their last three visits to St Louis.
-- Canucks beat Dallas in seven games in playoffs last spring.
-- Sharks won eight in row vs Phoenix, shutting Coyotes out in last three meetings.

Totals
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Atlanta-Ottawa games.
-- Last four Montreal games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-2-1 in last eleven Pittsburgh games, 5-1 in last six Boston games.
-- Four of last five Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Carolina games.
-- Six of last nine Ranger games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Detroit games went over the total.
-- Under is 11-1-2 in last fourteen Dallas-Vancouver games.
-- Under is 9-2-2 in last thirteen San Jose games.